Kim Kardashian faces backlash for new Skims Maternity range
On Sunday, shortly after it was announced that Keeping Up With the Kardashians would stop airing after 20 seasons and 14 years, Kim Kardashian took to her social platforms to make an announcement about her Skims shapewear line.
"What you’ve been waiting for: @SKIMS Maternity is coming soon!" Tweeted Kim. "Introducing Maternity Solutionwear™ that offers the best in comfort and support for your changing body during and after pregnancy." The star shared that the maternity collection will be available in nine colours and sizes XXS - 5X. The range will include a Sculpting Nursing Bra, full-length leggings, shorts, and an all-in-one.
What you’ve been waiting for: @SKIMS Maternity is coming soon! Introducing Maternity Solutionwear™ that offers the best in comfort & support for your changing body during & after pregnancy. Launching on Wednesday, September 16 at 9AM PT / 12PM ET in 9 colors & in sizes XXS - 5X pic.twitter.com/PfyqMEW3cI
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 12, 2020
Of course, as is the case with any Kardashian news, people quickly took to Twitter with lots of *thoughts.* Some people shared their concerns, with one Twitter user asking "Kimmie, why would a woman care if her body is snatched or not during pregnancy??"
I’m sure that’s the one thing pregnant women need above all! Being pressed to a slimmer figure
— Sara Moh (@SaraM5115) September 12, 2020
Excuse my ignorance but who’s trynna shape their pregnant bodies? Y’all don’t like being comfy and free and loose when pregnant? It’s pretty much the only time you can be as shapeless and free and comfy as you want! 🤔
— Proenca P (@brownythefirst) September 12, 2020
Kimmie, why would a woman care if her body is snatched or not during pregnancy??
— Kimberly K. (K.K.W.) (@GingerhairGrnEy) September 13, 2020
Jameela Jamil also shared her views on pregnancy and body politics without mentioning the brand, although some thought her Tweet was a veiled response to the new Skims launch:
It would be so cool if pregnant people could just be allowed to be pregnant and get bigger and not be self conscious, and enjoy the miracle taking place inside their body and not have to worry about feeling embarrassed/shamed that their body is changing for an amazing reason.
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) September 13, 2020
On Instagram Stories, Kim explained that the items are not meant to compress or minimise baby bumps, but provide support. "The belly part doesn't slim your belly, it's actually sheer and a thinner layered material compared to the rest of the garment. It provides support to help with the uncomfortable weight being carried in your stomach which affects your lower back - and the compression on the leggings help with pain relief caused by swelling."
"...We launched this category in response to the tens of thousands of pregnant women who wrote us requesting it and because it was something I personally needed when I was pregnant myself." Read Kim's full response below:
Despite some criticism, plenty of women were excited for the launch. Others added that they wished the garments had existed during their pregnancies, as finding supportive undergarments that help with pregnancy aches and pains can be tricky.
Wish this had been around 20 years ago, I was tying scarves round my belly to try and keep it up and another round my hips to keep them in place. Good job!
— BBYau (@bb_yau) September 14, 2020
This is what I had to resort to in my last pregnancy for a bit of support, I looked like bloody Father Christmas! Well done @skims these are a great idea I only wish they’d been released sooner! pic.twitter.com/4x3W2tOPHO
— G (@elvonhar) September 13, 2020
people shaming SKIMS maternity line have obviously never been a big ole pregnant lady who needs bump support.
— Courtney (@courtneyyypeel) September 13, 2020
I’m 29 weeks pregnant and so excited for this line! I have had awful round ligament pain with this pregnancy and I’m also having a csection...praying I get one before they sell out! pic.twitter.com/EvMtlAt44G
— The Conservative MUA (@ConservativeMua) September 13, 2020
Kim's longtime pal Chrissy Teigen also took to Instagram to praise the garments, and we all know she is the queen of telling it like it is. Kim re-posted the vid of pregnant Chrissy posing in shapewear and defending Skims Maternity:
"Hi guys, actual pregnant person here!" began Teigen. "Just wanting to show you and maybe talk a little bit about what pregnancy shapewear is. Basically, the reason I love pregnancy shapewear is because it stops all the folds of my vagina and stomach from eating all other kinds of underwear."
She continued: "When you're pregnant and you're sitting down a lot, or on bed rest like me, you tend to just sit there, and if you're wearing regular, basic ass underwear, all it does is roll inside of folds I didn't even know I had."
"It rolls up in there, and doesn't even look like I have underwear on," Chrissy continued. "Most importantly this is not about creating a body we don't know we have. Like, we're not trying to do anything to trick you, we're pregnant... We’re just trying to feel good about ourselves, in a time when, mentally, things can be really challenging. I merely want to wear underwear that’s pretty, that I feel good in, that’s soft, that’s comfortable, that stretches nicely over my belly."
Skims Maternity launches on 16th September at 12pm EST/ 5pm BST.
Follow Maddy on Instagram.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Cosmopolitan UK's new issue is out now and available for purchase online and via Readly. You can also SUBSCRIBE HERE or read on Apple News+. You can also find our podcast 'All The Way With...' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and the Acast app.
You Might Also Like
